From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, this “From Split: Islands & Blue Lagoon Cruise with Lunch & Drinks” might be just what you’re after. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to combine sightseeing, swimming, and a taste of local flavors, all in one day. We’ve looked into what this tour offers—and what it doesn’t—to help you decide if it’s worth your time.

What we really like about this experience is how it blends stunning scenery with cultural highlights. You get to wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Trogir, enjoy the crystalline waters of the Blue Lagoon, and even explore a sunken shipwreck. Plus, the included lunch and drinks add to the relaxed island vibe. One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour’s itinerary can vary depending on weather and captain’s decisions—so be flexible. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing on a boat in a beautiful setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Croatian experience with visits to UNESCO Trogir and the Blue Lagoon
• Includes lunch and drinks, making it good value for a full-day boat trip
• Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment provided
• Potential for a rushed visit to Trogir, so plan accordingly if you want more time
• Varied reviews highlight both scenic highlights and some discrepancies in expectations
• Suitable for active travelers comfortable with swimming and boat travel

An Overview of the Tour

This cruise departs from two main points: Slatine and Split, with departure times around 08:30 and 09:15 respectively. It’s a full 9-hour excursion designed to maximize your time on the water and at key stops. The journey takes you along the coast, providing views of Island Iovo and the coastline, which alone can be a highlight for lovers of the sea.

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Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Departure and Trogir

The tour kicks off early, with boarding in either Slatine or Split. As you set sail, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast of coffee and croissants—a nice touch to start the day. The boat glides past Island Iovo on your way to Trogir, giving you a chance to appreciate the rugged, unspoiled coastline.

Arriving in Trogir at around 11:00, you’re given an hour to explore this UNESCO-listed jewel. Highlights include the Kamerlengo Tower, the St. Lovre Cathedral, and the evocative Three of Love statue. The reviews suggest the sightseeing time can feel a bit tight, especially if you want to explore in depth, but it’s enough to get a sense of this beautifully preserved medieval town.

From Trogir to Blue Lagoon

After Trogir, the boat heads toward the Blue Lagoon, serving lunch en route. The menu offers options that cater to different tastes—fish, meat, or vegetarian—so everyone can find something satisfying. During the cruise, drinks such as water, wine, and homemade iced tea keep everyone refreshed.

The Blue Lagoon itself is often described as the main highlight. While some reviewers note it’s not technically a lagoon, it’s still a stunning spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The water is clear and inviting, perfect for cooling off after a morning of sightseeing. The water slide and snorkeling gear add fun elements for those wanting to splash around.

Exploring the Shipwreck and Neujam Bay

The final stop is Neujam Bay on Island Olt, where the boat moors near the shipwreck Kontessa. This sunken vessel is a popular snorkeling spot, and you’ll have about an hour here to explore or just relax on deck. Some reviews mention the shipwreck doesn’t quite meet the expectations set by promotional images, but it remains a visually interesting feature.

Return Journey

On the way back to Split, expect to be served fresh fruit, a nice light snack to end the day. The return trip offers a relaxed atmosphere with scenic views and the chance to reflect on a busy but fulfilling day.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers good value with a range of inclusions. The breakfast, lunch, and drinks—including wine—are all part of the package, which means fewer extra costs and more relaxed enjoyment. The water slide and snorkeling gear are also included, adding some adventure to your day.

However, reviews note that snorkeling equipment may not be available for everyone, and additional gear or safety deposit costs (€10) could catch some travelers off guard. Also, while WiFi is available onboard, it’s often limited to messaging rather than streaming or large downloads.

The Practicalities

The meeting points are straightforward, at the Gat sv. Nikole in Split or Slatine, with clear signage and a flag for easy spotting. The tour’s duration—roughly 9 hours—fits comfortably into a day, but it’s worth considering if you prefer more time at any one stop. The random seating arrangement helps keep things lively, but some may find it less ideal if they prefer to sit with a specific group.

How the Experience Feels

Most travelers seem to find the scenery beautiful and the boat comfortable enough. The friendly crew and the included drinks contribute to a relaxed atmosphere, which is ideal for vacationers looking to unwind. The water activities like snorkeling and the water slide are big draws, especially for families or groups wanting to add some splashy fun.

That said, some reviews point out discrepancies—the “shipwreck” may not be as dramatic as hoped, and the short timer in Trogir can feel rushed. Plus, the “lagoon” isn’t a true lagoon, which might be a letdown if expectations were high.

Analyzing the Value

At $89 per person, the price is reasonable considering the inclusions: breakfast, lunch, drinks, water slide, snorkeling gear, and WiFi. It’s a convenient way to see multiple highlights with minimal effort, especially for those unfamiliar with local transportation or planning their own boat trips.

However, it’s important to weigh whether the short sightseeing window at Trogir aligns with your interests. If you’re eager to explore this UNESCO city more thoroughly, you might find the quick stop a bit frustrating. Conversely, if your focus is on relaxing and enjoying water activities, this tour provides a solid balance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for active travelers who want a mixture of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing in one package. It’s ideal if you prefer a guided experience that takes care of the logistics, and you don’t mind quick stops. Families, couples, and even groups of friends looking for a fun, full-day adventure will likely enjoy this trip.

Those seeking more time in Trogir or wanting a more authentic dive into local culture might prefer to book separate activities or longer explorations. Also, if you’re particularly interested in shipwrecks or lagoons, it’s worth managing expectations based on reviews and descriptions.

The Sum Up

This “Islands & Blue Lagoon cruise” offers a well-rounded taste of Croatian coastal beauty, combining scenic boat rides, cultural stops, and water fun. The inclusions of lunch and drinks make it a good value, especially given the convenience of an all-in-one package. While the short stop in Trogir means it’s not ideal for deep exploration, the chance to see the Blue Lagoon and snorkel around a shipwreck is undeniably appealing.

It’s a solid choice for active, waters-loving travelers who want a dependable way to see some of Dalmatia’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple transportation steps. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly crew, and beautiful scenery make it suitable for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Just remember to keep flexible with the plan—weather and captain’s decisions can influence the day’s flow. If you’re after a leisurely, in-depth cultural experience, this might not be the perfect fit. But if you want a fun, scenic, and generally well-priced day on the water, this tour delivers a memorable Croatian adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 9 hours, from around 8:30 or 9:15 in the morning until about 6:30 or 7 PM in the evening, depending on your starting point.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You can meet at Gat sv. Nikole in Split, at berth 6A or 6B, or in Slatine. Look for the Bura Travel flag for easy identification.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes breakfast with coffee and croissants, a multi-course lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian options), drinks (water, wine, iced tea), use of water slide, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi onboard.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, snorkeling gear might require a €10 safety deposit, and extra drinks or food offered onboard are not included in the package.

Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling gear is provided, some reviews mention limited equipment availability. The water activities are best for confident swimmers, but you can always relax on deck and enjoy the scenery.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary can vary based on weather conditions and captain’s decisions. The stops are generally fixed, but the timing might shift slightly.

Is the shipwreck worth exploring?
Most find the shipwreck interesting, especially with snorkel gear, but some reviewers say it doesn’t quite match promotional images. Still, it adds a unique element to the day.

This tour offers a delightful taste of Dalmatia’s coast with a good mix of cultural sights, water activities, and relaxing moments. It’s a reliable choice for travelers seeking a full day of scenic beauty, good food, and fun in the sun.

You can check availability for your dates here: